Blood in the Water

Eight

There was a legend about a coven of witches that lived high in the mountains. Some say they had perfected the art of magic; others say they drove themselves to insanity. Whichever it was, I didn't believe it.

It couldn't be real; witches were just a figment of someone's imagination.

However, the woman sat in front of me was very much real, and so was her magic. It permeated through the air, tickling your nose, and wrapping itself tight around your body. There was absolutely no denying that this woman was some sort of witch. Maybe I had been slightly wrong...

She didn't speak, and she didn't eat. She simply sat and watched with her huge brown vacant eyes. She didn't even attempt to escape; she just sat strapped to her chair and watched the tent flaps.

Apparently, she had been captured fleeing from the castle and had been intercepted by Embery's Pack. But nothing had been found on her, no potions, no charms, and no protection spells. It's almost as if she had wanted to be caught. The wolves that had caught her had no idea what she had been doing. This is the one they had decided to keep alive and, what were the chances they had stumbled upon a creature such as this?

I stood awkwardly between Christian and Embery, watching as the candle shadows flickered across the flaps of the tent. My mother had left the tent as soon as I had entered with Embery stating that she had important matters to deal with. 

She still hadn't welcomed me home. 

"We've tried everything," Embery was explaining, "She won't talk to any of us."

His tone wasn't redundant, he didn't seem at all discouraged that this poor woman wouldn't speak. I almost felt for her, but then came back to my senses, she might have been cavorting with Vampyre's, who knew what she could tell us.

I stepped forward ignoring Embery's sudden panicked expression, I brought my hands up in surrender as I closed in on the woman. Christians' worried face watched my movements carefully. 

"My name is Cassia, I don't mean you any harm."

"I know who you are, Cassisa Bane." Was the sharp reply, soft flicks of an accent lingered in the woman's speech and I almost recoiled from the shock of hearing her speak.

There was a sharp intake of breath, and Christian cleared his throat. I stepped forward again.

I ignored Embery and Christian and continued to try to breath normal. "How do you know my name?" My voice was soft as if talking to a scared small child.

"I know every life that has ever been and ever will." Her voice was quiet as if it hurt for her to talk. I momentarily worried had she been watered and fed.

"Who are you?" I probed again, ignoring the guilt in the pit of my stomach.

"I have been many people and will be many more." Her reply was instant, like she had rehearsed the words millions of times. I tilted my head and frowned.

"What is your name?" I couldn't keep the annoyance out of my tone and I felt Christian shift in minor annoyance.

"I answer to most names but have none."

Now I'm irritated. This is just plain rude.

"I have two faces but show you one. I once had guests, but now have none. I'm rarely bloody and seldom blue. I'm often promised and sometimes new." She finished in her raspy voice, I frowned and looked back at Embery. "Answer my riddle child and I will grant you one answer."

"One answer?" I furrow my eyebrows. "We don't want to answer your riddles, we just want your name and then we can send you on your way."

The witchling simply stared on ahead her lips pursed and vacant eyes began to watch the tents lining again.